Barbara Keeley MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Care, Older People, and Carers, responding to warnings from care leaders about future funding of care services, said:

“George Osborne’s Spending Review promises are now unravelling. His plan to fund social care is completely inadequate, leaving many areas of the country waiting till 2019 for the financial help they sorely need. This shortfall will no doubt leave some local authorities, particularly in poorer areas, unable to raise enough funding from a two per cent council tax increase.

“The deep cuts to social care under this Government are one of the main reasons why the NHS is under so much pressure. David Cameron and George Osborne coming to power has resulted in 300,000 fewer older people missing out on the crucial care they need. Due to this failure more older people are going to A&E and delayed discharges from hospital are hitting a record high.

“George Osborne should listen to the concerns of care leaders and take urgent action to address the severe and growing crisis in older people’s care.“